If you’re looking to step up your game in technical writing, now’s a great time!Â
Whether you’re an experienced professional aiming to fine-tune your expertise or someone just breaking into the field, getting certified can be a game changer.
Technical writing is a specialized form of writing that aims to convey complex, usually technology-focused information concisely and accurately.Â
From manuals and reports to white papers and documentation, technical writers play a key role in simplifying information across industries like technology, engineering, healthcare, and finance.
Obtaining a technical writing certification can be a valuable asset. They can open doors to new opportunities, increase earning potential, and enhance credibility within the field.
Let’s explore why getting certified could boost your career and discuss 10 technical writing certifications you can take.
Top Technical Writing Certification in 2024
- The Importance of Technical Writing Certifications
- Top 10 Technical Writing Certifications to Boost Your Career
- 1. Certified Technical Writer Course by Technical Writer HQ
- 2. Certified Professional Technical Communicator by the Society for Technical Communication (STC)
- 3. Professional Technical Writing Certification by Udemy
- 4. Certificate in Technical Writing by Dalhousie University
- 5. Medical Writer Certified (MWC) by American Medical Writers Association
- 6. Certified Technical Writer by The University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire (UWEC)
- 7. Coursera’s Technical Writing Certification Courses
- 8. TechWriter Certification Programs
- 9. Certificate in Professional Technical Writing by the University of Washington
- 10. Master’s in Technical Communication and Localization (TCLoc) / TEKOM Certification by the University of Strasbourg
- Technical Writing Tools to Get Started
Summarize this article for me pleaseThe Importance of Technical Writing Certifications
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, technical writers in the U.S. make an average salary of $86,620. If you enjoy explaining complex information, love structured writing, and are interested in a particular technical field, this might be the perfect job for you.
Technical writing certifications demonstrate a commitment to professional development and provide a recognized standard of expertise. Getting this certificate could benefit you for many reasons.
Let’s look at some of them:
- Develop your skills: It’s an excellent way to build and refine essential skills like communication, research, and editing. You’ll also gain valuable knowledge, such as what fundamental elements are necessary when creating technical documents, manuals, or reports
- Enhance your credibility: Getting certified by a reputable organization or school shows formal recognition of your abilities, which can help set you apart when applying for technical writing jobs. It’s a clear sign to employers that you’re serious about your craft
- Get specialized credentials: Even if you already have a degree in communication or English, adding a certification in something specific—like medical writing or technical documentation—can boost your profile, especially if you’re freelancing. Specialized credentials make it easier for potential clients to see your expertise
Several recognized organizations offer highly respected certifications for technical writers. Bodies like the Society for Technical Communication (STC) and the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) provide specialized programs for different fields.
Summarize this article for me pleaseTop 10 Technical Writing Certifications to Boost Your Career
Not all technical writing certifications are created equal. That’s why we’ve highlighted 10 exceptional ones that can significantly enhance your professional development.
Let’s explore these opportunities!
1. Certified Technical Writer Course by Technical Writer HQ
The Technical Writer HQ is a fantastic resource if you’re a beginner in technical writing. This site focuses on offering certifications and courses specifically for technical writers. It also provides a community where writers can connect, share their experiences, and seek advice from peers.
This certified technical writer course covers the fundamentals of technical writing and the roles involved.
You’ll learn how to create effective technical documentation and develop high-quality writing samples. Plus, you’ll gain insights on crafting a standout resume and establishing a robust online presence. The course also includes tips to help you excel in interviews.
One participant, Ben Wise, shared,
Here are some key topics covered in the course:
- Analyzing your audience
- API writing
- Writing case studies
- Conducting research
- User interviews
- Writing and editing documentation for various use cases
Additionally, you’ll gain access to exclusive interviews with industry professionals who will provide insider tips on project management. You’ll also find downloadable content writing templates to help streamline your work.
After the course, you’ll receive a technical writing certificate and a badge to showcase on your website or LinkedIn profile.
Pricing
- $299
2. Certified Professional Technical Communicator by the Society for Technical Communication (STC)
The Society for Technical Communication (STC) is a unique community designed exclusively for technical writers and communicators. It’s also the oldest and largest association in the technical writing field.
Over the years, the STC has introduced several professional certification options for technical communicators. Their program has three tiers: Foundation, Practitioner, and Expert certification.
- Foundation Level Certification (Level I) is for entry-level professionals. It tests your general knowledge of technical communication concepts and best practices. While there are no strict prerequisites, at least two years of relevant study or experience is recommended
- Practitioner Level Certification (Level II) targets mid-level professionals. It measures your ability to apply best practices and solve complex problems. You must complete the Foundation certification first and provide proof of maintaining it. Ideally, candidates should have two to five years of experience
- Expert Level Certification (Level III) is aimed at senior professionals. It assesses your expertise by having you manage complex projects evaluated by industry experts. To qualify, you need the Practitioner certification and should have five to ten years of experience
Being STC-certified can set you apart in the competitive field of technical writing. David Dick, an STC Fellow, noted,
Pricing
Foundation Level Certification (Level I)
- $315 for current STC members
- $630 for nonmembers
Practitioner Level Certification (Level II)
- $443 for current STC members
- $753 for nonmembers
Expert Level Certification (Level III)
- Custom pricing
3. Professional Technical Writing Certification by Udemy
Udemy has emerged as a leading educational platform, offering courses across various subjects. From technical writing to app development and project management, there’s something for everyone.
The Professional Technical Writing Certification will introduce you to technical writing and editing principles. You’ll also learn how to create comprehensive technical documents and technical resume templates and write your first user guide effectively.
To participate in this award-winning course, you’ll need a Windows PC with Microsoft Word and Excel (2007 or 2010). Once you enroll, you’ll have access to all relevant materials and resources.
Pricing
- $94.36
4. Certificate in Technical Writing by Dalhousie University
Dalhousie University offers a highly regarded certificate in technical writing. In addition to the basics, you’ll explore how to analyze your audience, craft clear documents, and write compelling product descriptions. You’ll also learn to develop strategy papers, making this course well-rounded.
This course is perfect for writers, engineers, product managers, and anyone encountering communication challenges.
To earn your certificate, you must complete four courses: one essential technical writing course and three electives. Each course concludes with a test or a writing assignment to assess your skills and knowledge.
A great perk of this program is its flexibility; you can learn at your own pace. This structure allows you to balance your studies with your professional life while gaining valuable skills. To receive your certificate, you must finish your final evaluation within four years.
Pricing
- $2,140 ($535 per course)
5. Medical Writer Certified (MWC) by American Medical Writers Association
The Medical Writer Certified (MWC) credential is a respected designation created through a collaboration between the Medical Writing Certification Commission (MWCC) and the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA).
Achieving the MWC credential can boost your credibility, showing employers and clients that you possess a firm grasp of core medical writing competencies.
The MWC exam is offered twice yearly, making it accessible for busy professionals. You’ll face 125 multiple-choice questions during the exam, which lasts 2.5 hours and is conducted in English.
To help you prepare, the MWC Applicant and Candidate Handbook and the Candidate Study Guide detail the five domains of medical writing that the exam covers: Gathering, Evaluating, Organizing, Interpreting, and Presenting.
To qualify for the exam, candidates must meet a few key criteria:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree or higher in any discipline
- Have a minimum of two years of paid work experience in medical communication. Importantly, this experience must focus specifically on medical writing rather than writing related to clinical, scientific, or other fields
Pricing
- $175: MWC application submission fee (AMWA members receive a $25 discount)
- $550: Registration fee for exams within the US
6. Certified Technical Writer by The University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire (UWEC)
The Certified Technical Writer course offered by the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Continuing Education is a comprehensive program designed for individuals looking to enhance their skills in technical writing or start a career in this field. The course provides practical knowledge that covers the fundamentals of technical writing.
It’s ideal for beginners and professionals wanting to refine their skills and stay updated with industry standards.
In the program, participants will learn how to organize and present complex information in an easy-to-understand manner, whether for manuals, online help systems, or technical reports.
The course also features a lesson on preparing for the Certified Professional Technical Communicator (CPTC) exam by the Society for Technical Communication (STC).
Pricing
- $2,195
7. Coursera’s Technical Writing Certification Courses
Coursera is one of the largest e-learning platforms, featuring over 3,000 online courses and specializations across various fields. Among its offerings, you’ll find a fantastic range of technical writing certifications that cater to different learning needs, from beginner to advanced levels.
The platform provides numerous self-paced, fully online courses focused on technical writing, making it easy to fit learning into your schedule. If you’re looking to enhance your skills, here are a couple of courses worth checking out:
- Introduction to Technical Writing: This course introduces the fundamentals of technical writing. It equips learners with the skills to craft clear and concise documentation for diverse audiences
- Writing Skills for Engineering Leaders: If you’re an experienced engineer looking to grasp the fundamentals of technical writing, this 16-hour course is ideal. It’s part of the Communication Skills for Engineers Specialization program
Pricing
- Free for auditing
- Certificate fee: Starts from $39
8. TechWriter Certification Programs
The Tech Writer Certification program offers a range of well-regarded technical certification options developed in partnership with various accredited universities.
Unlike online courses from platforms like Udemy or Coursera, these certifications come with specific completion timelines. If you don’t finish within the set period, you’ll incur an extension fee to continue.
Here’s a closer look at some of the certificates available through this platform:
- Basic Certificate in Technical Writing: This program consists of three courses tailored for beginners eager to learn the fundamentals of technical writing. Assessments include quizzes, assignments, one-on-one sessions with instructors, and a final project
- Comprehensive Career Builder Certificate in Technical Writing: Designed for professionals looking to advance their careers, this in-depth program spans three months and covers a broad range of topics
- Certificate for Current Technical Writers, Editors, and Designers: As the name implies, this course is intended for those already working in the field. It requires 90 hours of study and focuses on enhancing existing skills
Additionally, Tech Writer Certification offers a 360-degree course in technical communication, a program focused on structured technical documentation, and another that covers the basics and practical applications of written communication skills.
Pricing
- From $975
9. Certificate in Professional Technical Writing by the University of Washington
The University of Washington (Professional & Continuing Education) is well-known for offering exceptional career-advancing opportunities to working professionals.
This program consists of three courses:
- Foundations of Professional Technical Writing
- Intermediate Technical Writing
- Advanced Professional Technical Writing
It is designed to establish a solid foundation in technical writing. Throughout this comprehensive curriculum, you’ll learn how to create various high-level technical documents, master the basics of document design, and utilize popular documentation tools.
Conducted entirely online with real-time meetings, the program spans eight months. Be sure to apply only if you’re fully committed to elevating your technical writing career.
Pricing
- $3,995
10. Master’s in Technical Communication and Localization (TCLoc) / TEKOM Certification by the University of Strasbourg
The University of Strasbourg, France, offers an exciting professional certification in technical communication and more.
Their dual-track program allows students to earn both a master’s degree in technical communication and localization and professional certification in technical writing through TEKOM, the European Association of Technical Communicators.
The TCLoc program provides several pathways for students to achieve their degree and certification, and it typically takes one to two years to complete.
The diverse curriculum covers various topics, including various web languages and technologies, localization, and an introduction to Computer-Aided Translation tools. You’ll also learn content marketing strategies, project management, professional writing, and visual communication.
Pricing
- $7,555 (approx.)
Summarize this article for me pleaseChoosing the Right Certification for You
Selecting the ideal technical writing certification can significantly impact your career. With various programs available, it’s essential to consider a few key factors before making your choice.
These include:
- Your career goals: Consider where you see yourself in the future. Are you aiming for a specific industry or role? Different certifications might align better with specific fields
- Curriculum focus: Review the subjects covered in the certification program. For instance, if you want to learn about help authoring tools, look for certifications that include training in that area
- Time and commitment: Be realistic about how much time you can dedicate to your studies. Some programs are self-paced, while others have strict timelines. Ensure you choose one that fits your schedule
- Cost: Certifications can vary in price. Evaluate what you can afford, and consider the potential return on investment
- Reputation and recognition: Research the certification provider. Look for programs that are well-regarded in the industry and recognized by potential employers
When comparing different certification programs,
- Focus on their unique features
- Look at the structure and length of the courses
For instance, the University of Washington’s Professional Technical Writing Certificate combines online learning with live sessions and lasts about eight months. It provides a solid foundation for creating high-level documents and effective communication strategies.
And for instance, you’re looking for something more specialized. In that case, the Medical Writer Certified (MWC) Credential, developed by the Medical Writing Certification Commission and the American Medical Writers Association, focuses on the specific competencies needed for medical communicators and requires passing a comprehensive exam.
By carefully evaluating these programs based on their curriculum, structure, and specific focus areas, you’ll be better positioned to select a technical writing certification that aligns with your career goals and enhances your skill set.
Summarize this article for me pleaseTechnical Writing Tools to Get Started
What if you could significantly enhance your technical writing skills by combining your certification with the right technical writing tools?
ClickUp isn’t just a writing tool with project management features; it’s one of the best productivity tools in the market.
ClickUp also doubles as a knowledge base, thanks to features like Docs, Whiteboards, and templates that combine everything seamlessly.
Using ClickUp Docs, you can set clear goals, outline product requirements, add user research, and maintain consistency throughout. The best part? Everyone can jump in to add comments, and project managers can tag teammates or assign tasks directly within the Doc itself.
ClickUp Docs also simplifies collaboration so you can:
- Organize your technical communication and manage it in real time with your team
- Use several formatting options to break up text and enhance readability. With customizable headers, colors, fonts, and paragraph spacing, you can ensure your documentation looks polished and professional
If you need a space to brainstorm or sketch ideas, ClickUp Whiteboards are perfect for outlining your thoughts, jotting down notes, adding visuals, and linking related tasks. It’s a great way to visualize your process from start to finish.
And then there’s ClickUp Brain—an AI writing assistant for anyone looking to save time and enhance efficiency.
This tool can help you create snippets, tables of contents, and even full web pages quickly and easily. It handles formatting and copy editing with ease and can transform complex technical information into simple, user-friendly language.
And there’s more!
Templates are another lifesaver in ClickUp, especially when it comes to technical documentation.
For instance, the ClickUp Product Brief Document Template is a go-to for product managers. It’s a complete document that helps teams collaborate cross-functionally on product development.
With this template, you can:
- Work collaboratively across teams on product development
- Keep product specifications, feedback, and related tasks organized in one central location
- Clearly outline objectives, solutions, and specifications with consistency
Since it’s built in ClickUp Docs, you can add nested pages filled with extra information, draft histories, and anything else you need. Plus, you can customize everything to your liking, from formatting to embedded links and document tags.
ClickUp Comments in Docs allows for real-time collaboration, and you can even assign comments to teammates for instant feedback. It’s a simple way to keep track of edits, feedback, and updates without losing anything in the shuffle.
You can tweak this template to fit your needs. Update the product brief template, save it as a new one, or apply your changes every time the template is used.
đŸ’¡Pro Tip: If you’re ever stuck or need inspiration, use these writing prompt examples that keep the creativity flowing.Â
Summarize this article for me pleaseManaging Technical Writing Projects With ClickUp
As content creation continues to gain momentum, investing in a technical writing certification can be a smart move. The right certification not only equips you with essential skills but also boosts your credibility and unlocks new career opportunities.
By choosing a program that aligns with your goals and interests, technical writing professionals can set themselves up for success in this rewarding and dynamic field.
And here’s a partner to help you take your technical writing skills even further—ClickUp.
This versatile platform allows you to brainstorm your technical documentation outline, gather feedback from colleagues, integrate multimedia elements, and use ClickUp Brain as your AI writing assistant.
Want to see the difference for yourself?
Don’t just take our word for it—sign up for ClickUp and try it for free!
Everything you need to stay organized and get work done.
